Where To Find The Best Coffee In Canberra

Whether you’re after the perfect piccolo or cold brew, we’ve found the best coffee in Canberra.

Wondering where to find the best coffee in Canberra? The decision depends on your preferences and palate. There are so many talented baristas in the nation’s capital that it’s difficult to narrow down who’s the best at pulling shots. But the good news is it means you can find a great brew no matter which neighbourhood you stay in when visiting Canberra.

The city known for its vibrant restaurants and cosy cafes is also peppered with a plethora of purveyors of specialty coffee. Here are 20 places that serve the best coffee in Canberra.

1. Arc

Caff-fiends who have been downright villainous about keeping this place a secret can complete their redemption arc by deploying the #bestcoffeeinCanberra hashtag.

For starters, Arc , part of Redbrick Coffee, is popular due to its proximity to Canberra’s CBD at the A by Adina Hotel. Arc also does a fine breakfast.

a cup of coffee at Arc, Canberra — Arc is where specialty brews and refined flavours meet.

On the coffee front, beans are by Redbrick (of course), and you can pick up bags to take away, too. This cafe is hugely popular with office workers so best to arrive before 9am to avoid rush hour.

the cafe interior of Arc, Canberra — The interior design blends modern aesthetics with warmth.

Address: 1 Constitution Ave

2. Recess Coffee

Recess Coffee is brought to you by the talented team behind the acclaimed cafe Barrio Collective and the hatted restaurant Terra. Join the steady trickle of caffeine-starved locals and travellers queuing at the café, which doubles as a vinyl bar, for their morning espresso.

coffee packs on display at Recess Coffee, Canberra — Recess Coffee creates its own roasted blends.

It’s one of the best cafes to try in Canberra for coffee as it roasts its own beans. There is also a range of delectable all-day dining options including avo on sourdough and eggs benedict with saffron hollandaise, pancakes with maple butter and B&E brekkie muffins.

pouring a syrup over pancakes at Recess Coffee, Canberra — Pair your coffee with sweet pancakes.

Address: 6B Barker St, Griffith

3. Intra

Intra is in the business of perfecting coffee. And if we could, we’d enjoy it Intra-venously. The cosy cafe in leafy Campbell is one of the best places for coffee in Canberra due to the quality beans it sources from Barrio Collective .

the cafe exterior of Intra, Canberra — The cafe is designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The blends change seasonally depending on which beans are best. The specialty coffee and food venue also stocks single-origin coffee from Edition Coffee Roasters in Sydney.

a hand holding a breakfast bowl at Intra, Canberra — Intra serves up generous breakfast bowls. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Its breakfast menu is short and sweet, and includes the chashu bacon and egg roll, which has a cult following. Check out Intra’s buzzy Braddon venue, B-Side .

a hand holding a cup of latte at Intra, Canberra — They serve expertly crafted specialty coffee sourced from Barrio Collective and Edition Coffee Roasters. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 30/12 Provan St, Campbell

4. Lava

There are three iterations of Lava across Canberra – in Kingston, Weston and Phillip. And the driving principle behind this trifecta of popular places is for highly trained baristas to brew coffees with specially selected top-quality beans.

the cafe interior of Lava, Canberra — This industrial-chic interior.

A hot tip: check out @Lava_Coffee on Instagram so you can find out more about your friendly baristas. Oh and do check the specials board for brekkie staples such as BLATs and avo on toast.

Address: Various in Kingston, Weston and Phillip

5. Barrio Collective

The Barrio Collective acts as a bit of an incubator for a lot of Canberra’s top baristas. And while you’ll find some of the best cafes and coffee spots in Canberra use Barrio Collective’s beans, it’s compulsory to head to the OG cafe to access all their offerings. The space has ample outdoor seating and is dog-friendly.

If you’re hungry, it’s worth trying its stacked toasties. Sip your chosen brew alongside a piece of toast spread with ‘mushymite’, a fermented mushroom product with a similar taste to Australia’s favourite spread.

al fresco dining at Barrio Collective, Canberra — There’s ample seating outside for those wanting to dine al fresco. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 59/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

6. ONA Coffee House

You’ll find ONA Coffee beans in cafes across Australia. The company was founded in a garage in 2008 by ex-Olympic handball player and world champion barista Saša Šestić. Fast forward to today and the brand is now known around the world for its premium blends.

a latte art at ONA Coffee House, Canberra — ONA Coffee House in Fyshwick is renowned for its expertly crafted specialty coffees. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Visiting ONA Coffee House in Fyshwick is the ideal way to explore its entire signature range of house blends and single-origin coffees. Enjoy a latte with breakfast on the deck, then take home some specialty beans for your espresso machine.

a plate of food at ONA Coffee House Fyshwick — ONA Coffee House offers brunch plates packed with local produce. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 68 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

7. The Cupping Room

One of ONA Coffee’s first forays into Canberra’s cafe culture was with The Cupping Room . And the eatery remains one of the best places in Canberra to get coffee and one of the most stylish.

a look inside The Cupping Room, Canberra — The Cupping Room is one of the most stylish spots to grab a coffee. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Flick to page 236 of Lonely Planet’s Global Coffee Tour and you’ll find an entry on The Cupping Room.

the cafe exterior of The Cupping Room, Canberra — Step into this artsy cafe for brekkie. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The baristas treat coffee like an art form here and you’ll find ONA Coffee’s great roasts, plus an extensive and Instagram-worthy array of brunch dishes like Bircher muesli with apple-ginger gel, chorizo skillet and stracciatella toast.

making latte art at The Cupping Room, Canberra — Every cup is a work of art. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra

8. Highroad

As Canberra’s biggest roastery, ONA Coffee has its hand in many of Canberra’s best cafes for getting a morning fix of coffee. Highroad was the first ONA outlet and it remains one of the most popular in Canberra’s northern suburb of Dickson. The focus at the industrial-chic cafe is on community. If your schedule is looking leisurely take the time to order brunch after admiring your latte art. The modern, airy space is designed to make you linger and one of the best places in Canberra for breakfast and brunch.

Address: Cnr Cape & Woolley St, Dickson

9. Gather

Have a gatho at Gather if you’re staying in Braddon. In addition to serving what many consider to be the best coffee in Canberra, the cafe should be your go-to for its sustainable approach to sourcing produce from local suppliers across the ACT and NSW.

a close-up of food at Gather cafe, Canberra — Gather is celebrated for its healthy, locally sourced food. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Free-range eggs are from Hilltop in Boorowa. Milk is from Country Valley in Picton. And Gather’s house blend of Ethiopian, Brazilian and Colombian beans is roasted in Braddon. The cafe also has breakfast classics like smashed avo and corn fritters.

Address: 4/24 Mort St, Braddon

10. Ritual

There’s a coffee order for every coffee geek at Ritual on the ground floor of the classy Little National Hotel in Barton. The No. 1 attraction at the hip inner-city café in the Realm Precinct is the coffee. But don’t forget to order a few pastries, too, which pair perfectly with a rich, aromatic latte. Ritual is also considered one of the best cafes in Canberra for its toasted sangas and various iterations of smashed avo on toast. The baristas make the habitual observance of a morning brew an enjoyable daily ritual.

Address: 21 National Circuit, Barton

11. Two Before Ten

Two Before Ten cafes have sprouted all over the nation’s capital, from Barton to Brindabella, Majura to Murrumbatemen.

pouring milk over a pastry at Two Before Ten cafe, Canberra — Order scrumptious morning treats to pair with your coffee. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Known for its excellent tree-to-cup coffee and commitment to sustainability, Two Before Ten is as much about building community as it is about serving great coffee.

the Two Before Ten cafe signage in Canberra — Two Before Ten is arguably one of the coolest coffee spots in Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Visit the Aranda cafe to get an understanding of the brand: this bustling community cafe also includes a roastery, a yoga studio and an expansive urban farm with fruit trees and beehives.

a hand holding a cup of coffee — This hotspot is a cornerstone of Canberra’s cafe culture. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 68 Bandjalong Cres, Aranda

12. The Front Café and Gallery

The Front is another offshoot of Two Before Ten. It’s both a café and gallery that supports Canberra creatives with a roster of exhibitions held throughout the calendar year.

potted plants outside The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — The Front Café and Gallery is an inviting space for both dining and enjoying art. (Image: Ben Calvert)

The Two by Ten spin-off is also worthy of our support for its dedication to supporting suppliers that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

a cup of coffee at The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — Enjoy expertly brewed coffee from Two Before Ten. (Image: Ben Calvert)

In addition to excellent espressos, expect sweet concoctions such as cinnamon French toast with seasonal fruits, strawberry mascarpone cream and pistachio crumb.

a table-top view of food plates at The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — This cafe and gallery boasts a mouth-watering brunch menu.

Address: 1 Wattle Place, Lyneham

13. Little Oink

Swinophobes should avoid Little Oink at all costs. The cute and quirky cafe is all about little piggies with a collection of pig figurines and an enduring oink theme throughout. Owner Natalie has a penchant for all things pig-related which extends to menu items such as the Wild Boar with bacon, chorizo, mushrooms and spinach on sourdough.

salmon toast at Little Oink, Canberra — Toasted sourdough, spinach, smoked salmon, poached eggs, Persian feta, herbs, and hollandaise.

You can also get your snout into an Oinko Burger with eggs, bacon, avo, relish and cheese. The Cook-based business uses Two Before Ten to serve some of the best coffee in Canberra.

Address: 22 Cook Place

14. Urban Pantry

Urban Pantry is a mainstay in Manuka (pronounced Marnika, not Manooka). The hip, happening Canberra neighbourhood has no shortage of wonderful places to eat and drink.

the cafe exterior of Urban Pantry, Canberra — Urban Pantry is a stalwart of the Canberra coffee scene. (Image: Urban Pantry)

But the lively, light-filled venue in the heart of the leafy landmark Manuka Lawns is one of our absolute favourite cafes in Canberra for its culture.

Start with buttermilk pancakes or mushroom bruschetta in the cafe’s white and bright interior overlooking the sun-splashed park. Then linger on the Lawns with a rich and flavourful coffee.

a glass of coffee at Urban Pantry, Canberra — Enjoy high-quality coffee sourced from local roasters. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 5 Bougainville St, Griffith

15. Rye

Lonsdale Street is one of Canberra’s epicentres for creativity and emblematic of life in buzzy Braddon. The Scandi-styled Rye cafe favours Five Senses Coffee which the baristas brew into consistently good coffees. Order the smørrebrød, a Danish open sandwich served on seeded dark rye bread with a side salad and a beetroot latte. The action at Rye spills outside so order an iced coffee to go so you can join the crowds promenading on the pavement.

Address: 3/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon

16. Teddy Picker’s

First things first. Teddy Picker’s is known for being one of the best places for coffee in Canberra. But you’ll find locals throwing spicy chai lattes and Teddy’s hot chocs down their gullets too because they’re simply dreamy.

This contemporary Campbell cafe on Constitution Avenue draws a diverse clientele of fitness types looking to refuel after hiking up Mt Ainslie. Pair your coffee with culinary offerings such as eggs on toast with chilli jam and Teddy’s fab French toast.

eggs benedict at Teddy Picker’s, Canberra — Tuck into their all-day breakfast.

Address: 53/65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell

17. Mocan & Green Grout

This sunny corner cafe in NewActon is hugely popular with guests staying in nearby hotels such as the quirky QT Canberra. The cosy open-all-day cafe looks like it’s been fitted out by an eccentric collector.

the cafe exterior of Mocan & Green Grout — Potted plants and fresh herbs are grown at the entrance. (Image: VisitCanberra)

And that rustic charm is part of its appeal. Think wooden shelving, brass-topped tables, jars of house-made pickles and flower-filled vases.

a close-up of food at Mocan & Green Grout — Consume healthy plates at Mocan & Green Grout. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The name Mocan means ‘strong and reliable’ in a dialect spoken in Trieste, where one of the owners’ family is from and you’ll find the green grout between the beautiful hand-painted tiles in one section. It’s a super-cool environment to enjoy a house coffee blend or pot of Real Chai.

Address: 1/19 Marcus Clarke St, NewActon

18. Café Sosta

You’ll find a lot of locals wearing soft, stretchy clothing at Café Sosta as they’ve either walked or ridden here. The Italian-inspired riverfront cafe is at the Red Shed rowing facility on Black Mountain Peninsula.

garnishing a plate at Café Sosta in Canberra — Feast on savoury breakfast plates at Café Sosta. (Image: Adam McGrath)

Sosta means ‘stopover’ in Italian which is what its location calls for. The venture is led by Bisa Hospitality, the group behind Joe’s Bar, Agostinis and Occasioni by Agostinis at the East Hotel so you’re guaranteed one of the best coffees in Canberra.

the interior of Café Sosta in Canberra — Sit down for coffee at this light-filled cafe. (Image: Adam McGrath)

Pair your perfect piccolo with breakfast risotto with poached pear or pane della casa topped with pork and fennel meatballs.

Address: John Cardiff Close, Black Mountain Peninsula

19. & Sando

It’s no surprise that restaurateur Matt Moran’s deli-style sandwich shop makes some of the best sandos in the nation’s capital. It’s also one of the best places for coffee in Canberra.

the coffee counter at &Sando, Canberra — The space is designed for takeaways. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Those in search of the perfect flavour-layered sando will find it here at & Sando, an offshoot of Moran’s Compa Ristorante next door.

sandwich and coffee at &Sando, Canberra — The cafe staff makes droolworthy sandwiches. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Expect your coffee and every element of your sandwich to be put together with care. You’ll need two hands to enjoy the ‘spicy deli’ combo of cold cuts, tomato, pickled carrot and provolone on sourdough. & Sando is not for you keto freaks. Coffee is by Sydney’s Single O.

a close-up of a sandwich at &Sando, Canberra — Every sandwich is made with fresh ingredients. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Address: 148 Bunda St

20. Three Mills Bakery

Is there anything better than the aroma of fresh-baked croissants? Three Mills Bakery is one of the best purveyors of specialty coffee in Canberra. But the casual spot, which has outlets all over the city, also offers customers pastries to take home and bake in their home oven. It’s worth a trip to the underrated suburb of Fyshwick, where it all began, to sip on an espresso that will be one of the best cups of coffee you enjoy in Canberra. But being able to pluck out pastries from the freezer to bake in your home oven adds to the experience.

bread at Three Mills Bakery, Canberra — Three Mills Bakery whips up freshly baked goods to enjoy with your coffee. (Image: Richard Poulton / VisitCanberra)

Address: Leeton Street, Fyshwick

For more tried and tested eating out options in Canberra, read our round-up of family-friendly restaurants, or our hit list of breakfast and brunch spots in Canberra.

From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

As the heat of the summer sun subsides and the milder days roll in, the stunning landscapes of Geelong and the Bellarine add pops of colour. The slight chill in the air will stir your taste buds and invite you to explore the peninsula’s foodie hotspots, while the vivid sunsets and cooler evenings will draw you to cosy fireside chats and evening adventures to watch the stars appear one at a time.

Just over an hour from busy Flinders Street, or a short 25-minute drive from Avalon Airport, Geelong is Melbourne’s cooler, more laid-back cousin with a sparkling marina, stunning surf beaches, impressive museums and a lively foodie scene.

federal mill geelong in autumn — Winter is the perfect time to see local sights.

It’s also the perfect starting point from which to explore the Bellarine Peninsula. Packed full of jaw-dropping scenery, inviting townships and over 40 cellar doors serving up local cool-weather wines, winter here is distinctly beautiful with its change of colours, temperatures and produce.

Whether you drive or catch the short but incredibly scenic ferry from the Mornington Peninsula, it’s no surprise this region offers up one of Australia’s best long weekend destinations. Here’s how to soak it all up.

Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

Morning

Start the day by grabbing breakfast and strong coffee from Pavilion Geelong (try the braised mushrooms on toast) while watching the gentle waves lapping the edge of Corio Bay. After brekkie, join the locals walking along the scenic Art Deco waterfront to explore the historic piers, beautiful beaches and gleaming white yachts in the marina.

Pavilion Geelong in winter — Start the day at Pavilion Geelong.

Afternoon

After a morning in the sun, venture to the recently refurbished Federal Mill precinct , a grand old woollen mill built in 1915. Explore the industrial history of this area, as well as the gourmet produce on offer, before pulling up a table at the popular Paddock Bakery . Famous for their wood-fired sourdough and tasty pastries, this cafe serves up tasty dishes like their Crème Brûlée doughnuts. Chase your lunch down with an afternoon of gin tasting at Anther Distillery .

Try the Paddock Bakery Crème Brûlée doughnuts.

Night

For an evening of frivolity and decadence, head back to Geelong for dinner and a show at the newly reopened Geelong Arts Centre . Later, enjoy a mini Negroni with a scoop of Black Pearl Oscietra Gold caviar at the sleek Non Disclosure Bar .

Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

Morning

Wake up with the soft winter sun and cooler temperatures, then travel to the lush farmlands and stunning landscapes of Moorabool Valley, the home of Meredith Farm Store . Choose a seat outside in the leafy courtyard and enjoy a tasting platter of fresh produce among the flowers.

Afternoon

To explore the area, visit the cellar door at the Moorabool Valley Wine Collective , which encompasses three award-winning winemakers, before stopping by Austin’s Wines for lunch. Not only can you taste over 10 local wines at the dedicated tastings bar, but you can also curate your own cheese platter to eat outside on their shaded deck.

two people trying the wine at Austin's wines — Stop by Austin’s Wines for lunch.

Night

Continue on your foodie quest with dinner in Newtown at the Asian fusion Two Noble restaurant, or, inside the same venue at Sawyers Arms Tavern, dive into the European flavours of Eileen’s Charcoal Grill on your way back to Geelong.

table spread at two noble restaurant — The chef’s hatted Two Noble restaurant is waiting.

Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

Morning

For a light breakfast, head 20 minutes out of town to the rustic Ket Baker , an artisan bakery known for their 100% sourdough croissants. Grab a hot cuppa under the gum trees and enjoy the morning chill in the air. Then spend the morning on the foodie-focused Bellarine Taste Trail , visiting local producers like Bellarine Smokehouse , Flying Brick Cider House and FarmDog Brewing .

croissants at ket baker — Enjoy a light breakfast at Ket Baker.

Lunch

There’s no better way to enjoy lunch than to make it from scratch. With Harvest Experience’s Pasta & Pinot cooking class, you’ll have a genuine farm-to-plate experience as you learn to make fettuccini and filled ravioli from scratch. Once cooked, sit down, relax and enjoy your hard work with a glass of Bellarine Peninsula pinot noir.

Afternoon and night

Burn off your lunch with an afternoon trip to the bayside town of Portarlington , where Australian blue mussels are harvested offshore. Stop by the quirky Ducks Nuts and peruse the trinkets and treasures before making your way to the restored Portarlington Grand Hotel . Built in 1888, this beautiful building now houses four distinct dining experiences, including the new open-air spaces of The Atrium and Lawn, where you can enjoy a local gin as the sun sets over the bay.

waiter holding mussels at Portarlington Grand Hotel — Be sure to try Portarlington mussels.

Start planning your ultimate Geelong & The Bellarine adventure at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.

Here’s where to get the best coffee in Canberra

Whether you’re after the perfect piccolo or cold brew, we’ve found the best coffee in Canberra.

1. Arc

2. Recess Coffee

3. Intra

4. Lava

5. Barrio Collective

6. ONA Coffee House

7. The Cupping Room

8. Highroad

9. Gather

10. Ritual

11. Two Before Ten

12. The Front Café and Gallery

13. Little Oink

14. Urban Pantry

15. Rye

16. Teddy Picker’s

17. Mocan & Green Grout

18. Café Sosta

19. & Sando

20. Three Mills Bakery

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How to spend a tasty long weekend in Geelong and the Bellarine

From rust-coloured foliage and foodie experiences to stunning sunsets, this part of Victoria is best explored as the mild days of winter arrive.

Day 1: Explore Geelong with the locals

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Day 2: A foodie-centric day in Moorabool Valley

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Day 3: Adventures in The Bellarine

Morning

Lunch

Afternoon and night